Religious Leaders Call for Peace Amid Escalating Conflict in the DRC
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) finds itself embroiled in a severe conflict, prompting both Protestant and Catholic leaders to unite in their appeals for peace and a return to normalcy.
The rebel group M23 has reportedly seized control of Goma, an eastern city in the DRC, amid allegations of support from Rwanda. Reports also suggest that Rwandan military forces have crossed into the DRC.
While the DRC accuses Rwanda of desiring its mineral-rich eastern regions, Rwanda counters by accusing the DRC of supporting insurgents within its own borders and sheltering individuals responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Local religious figures describe a dire situation. The Catholic Bishop of Goma, Willy Ngumbi Ngengele, reported that several infants died following an attack on Goma’s General Charity Maternity Hospital.
Anglican Bishop of Goma, Martin Gordon, in partnership with the Church Mission Society, shared his observations: “On Friday, the main power line to Goma was hit by the M23, leaving much of the city without power. Large areas are also without water. Communications are unreliable, and food prices have doubled. On Sunday morning, we received reports that the Rwandan army crossed the border into Goma, violating Congolese territorial sovereignty. Fighting for control of the city continues.”
“There has been a prison break and widespread looting. Many residents are cowering in fear, unable to communicate with loved ones. Eyewitnesses report bodies in the streets, while NGOs and hospitals have been targeted. Reports of sexual violence add another layer of trauma for a population that has already suffered too much. The full scale of the destruction will take days to emerge,” added Bishop Gordon.
Highlighting the spiritual dimension, Bishop Gordon emphasized Jesus Christ as the country’s beacon of hope, stating, “The place we always start is peace with God through Jesus Christ. Before we can make peace, we must first find peace ourselves.”
Both religious leaders have urged prayers for the DRC and Rwandan leadership, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the strife, and for harmonious coexistence among the diverse communities.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has displaced millions, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Archdiocese Catholic Archbishop Francois Xavier Maroy expressed his sorrow to Aid to the Church in Need: “For two years, many of our brothers and sisters have had nothing other than their eyes to weep and their feet to flee, sometimes without a destination – and even the camps for the displaced are not secure.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
